Tube staff walk out in row over office closures

LONDON Underground workers have walked out on a 48-hour strike in row over Tube ticket office closures which will cause travel chaos in the capital.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union are taking action in protest at controversial plans to close all Tube ticket offices. The union said the move will cost hundreds of job losses and threaten safety.

But LU maintain staff would be better employed on station concourses as only three per cent of tickets are bought at ticket offices. The company, and London Mayor Boris Johnson, attacked the strike, which will cost the capital millions of pounds and cause huge disruption for commuters and other travellers.

Leaders of the RMT held a last ditch meeting with LU at Acas offices in a failed bid to resolve the row. A further strike is planned for three days from 9pm next Monday. The RMT is also holding a 48-hour strike on the Heathrow Express in a separate row over jobs, pay and cuts.

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